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Golden Gate Bay Cruise®

Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, our Golden Gate Bay cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for more than 70 years. Sail along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and cruise closely around notorious Alcatraz Island.
On our San Francisco Golden Gate tours, you’ll discover the city’s colorful history and world famous landmarks through personal headphone audio in 16 languages. During the Golden Gate Bridge cruises®, you may experience frequent wildlife encounters that include seagulls, pelicans and sea lions. At times, you may see even harbor porpoises and whales. So be alert!

Our Golden Gate Bay Cruises Highlight the Best Sights of the City

Departing from the heart of Historic Fisherman’s Wharf, at Pier 43½, sail past the San Francisco’s skyline and view the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, the San Francisco Maritime National Park, and numerous other exciting sights.

As you head west towards the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along Fort Mason and the Marina District which was devastated in the 1989 earthquake. Next, enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio – both former army installations – that are now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Don’t miss incredible photo opportunities when sailing directly under the massive 4,200-foot span of the 746-foot tall San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.

As you steam back into the Bay, travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960’s flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, slowly cruise around the infamous Island of Alcatraz. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower in the distance.

After a full hour of exciting sights on Red and White Fleet’s® Golden Gate Bridge boat tours, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43½. Here, you can visit two National Historic Landmarks, the WWII submarine USS Pampanito and merchant vessel USS Jeremiah O’Brien.

Details on our Golden Gate Cruise Tours

On our San Francisco Golden Gate boat tours, you’ll find a full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise (including logo wear) at reasonable prices available on board.

Cruises Departing from Pier 43 ½, Fisherman’s Wharf:

8-12 daily departures from Pier 43½ starting at 10AM.

Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding on first-come, first-serve basis. Your ticket is valid for any departure time within 365 days from date of purchase.

The Golden Gate Bay Cruise® departures between 1:10pm and 3:45pm tend to be visited by tour groups. For a more peaceful experience, we recommend hopping on earlier or later cruises, or trying our new Bridge 2 Bridge Cruises® in the afternoon hours.

Pricing

Adults (ages 18+): $28.00Youth (ages 5-17): $18.00Kids (under age 5): FreeGroup rates are also available for parties of 15 or more.